Biosynthetic Short Neuropeptides: A Rational Theory Based on Experimental Results for the Missing Pain-Relief Opioid Endomorphin Precursor Gene

Endomorphins are neuropeptides that bind strongly to μ-opioid receptors and are considered to play important roles in pain modulation and other biological functions. Two endomorphins have been identified, to date, endomorphine-1 and -2; both are tetrapeptides and differ by only a single amino acid in the third position. Both peptides were isolated from bovine brains; however, their precursor genes have not been identified. In this study, a nucleotide sequence corresponding to the endomorphin-1 peptide in an expressed sequence tag database has been found and a preproendomorphin-like precursor peptide from human brain complementary DNA (cDNA) has been cloned. The cDNA consists of nucleotide sequences of two already annotated predicted genes, and the putative peptide differs by one amino acid from the isolated endomorphin peptides. It is proposed herein that there is the possibility of unknown short proteins or peptide precursors being missed by automated gene prediction programs based on similarities of known protein sequences. A novel concept of how to produce endomorphins from a similar peptide is described. The oxidatively modified base might provide a clue for understanding discrepancies between nucleotide sequences on the genome and those on cDNAs.     

Model Test and Consolidation Analysis of Failure of a Loose Sandy Embankment Dam During Seepage

Failures of earth dam embankments and river dikes, which are constructed of sandy soils with low dry densities, have been observed to occur during rising of water levels. In this paper, a large-scale physical model test was conducted in order to investigate the behavior of a small dam embankment as water levels rose. The test results were simulated by use of a consolidation analysis method coupled with an elastoplastic model for unsaturated soils. All parameters used in the simulation were obtained from element tests; oedometer, triaxial compression, soil water retention, and permeability tests. First, in order to verify the parameters identified, direct shear tests were simulated using the consolidation analysis method; results of the simulation and the tests were consistent. From the embankment model test it was found that the crest of the embankment moved upstream at the first stage of impounding and then moved back. After a seepage surface appeared on the downstream slope, tension cracks occurred on the downstream slope, and sliding occurred through the crack and the downstream toe. The results of the simulation were consistent with those of the model test. This consolidation analysis method could be used to simulate the complex deformations induced by saturation collapse and shear strains and even failure behavior. Old embankments constructed with loose densities might have histories in which cracks occurred on the downstream slopes when the reservoir water level rose, and their stabilities might have decreased.     

Texture,sensory and swallowing characteristics of high-pressure-heat-treated pork meat gel as a dysphagia diet

To develop a soft meat product for a dysphagia diet, high-pressure technology was applied. Pressure-heat-treated ground pork meat (PH) was prepared from ground pork mixed with water (ground meat: water, 1:0.5 or 1:1) and salt (1.5%). PH-gels were made from these meat homogenates by treatment at 400 MPa for 20 min, followed by heat treatment. Heat-treated pork meat homogenates (H) were also prepared. The hardness and adhesiveness of the 1:1PH-gel was lower than those of the 1:1H-gel. The PH-gel scored higher in sensory evaluations of elasticity, smoothness and ease of swallowing. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that the superior textural property of the 1:1PH-gel was caused by a network of myosin filaments. Videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing revealed that the 1:1PH-gel was easy to swallow and left little residue in the oropharynx. These results proved the utility of pressurization in creating a dysphagia meat diet.     

Investigation of localized deformation in partially saturated sand under triaxial compression using microfocus X-ray CT with digital image correlation

In this paper, localized deformation in partially saturated sand was investigated quantitatively using microfocus X-ray computed tomography (CT) and an image analysis of the CT images. Triaxial compression tests on a partially saturated dense Toyoura sand specimen were carried out under a low confining pressure and under drained conditions for both air and water. The development of localized deformation was observed macroscopically using microfocus X-ray CT, and the displacement field over the entire specimen was quantified by an image analysis of the CT images with the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The progressive development of shear bands is discussed with reference to these images. In addition, the region of localization was observed microscopically by partial CT scanning on a micron scale with high spatial resolution. Changes in the particulate structures are also discussed herein. The DIC image analysis of the partial CT images provided a microscopic displacement field and indicated that very fine localized shear deformation developed before the shear bands had become visible in the macroscopic investigation.     

Analysis of Organisation-Committed Human Error by Extended CREAM

This report analyses the results of the human error classification scheme of CREAM applied to organisation-committed human errors related to six departments. These human errors were not caused by the tasks spotlighted by CREAM, but were concentrated on managerial or administrative tasks, so that the authors have corrected and analysed the definitions and links of cause–effect relations related to the large organisation by means of an extended method of CREAM. Considering human errors on the basis of these analyses, findings have allowed the authors to come up with effective relations between organisation-related causal factors and person-related ones. This has demonstrated that organisation-caused human errors are sufficiently analysable by means of the extended method of CREAM.     

Preparation of zinc ferrite in the presence of carbon material and its application to hot-gas cleaning

In order to develop an efficient absorbent of H₂S in coal gasification, zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) was prepared in the presence of carbon materials such as activated carbon (AC), activated carbon fiber (ACF), and Yallourn coal (YL). The absorption behavior of absorbents for H₂S was examined using a fixed-bed flow type reactor equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrometer.Carbon material-supported ZnFe₂O₄ exhibited larger desulfurization capacity for H₂S than unsupported ferrites. They could efficiently remove H₂S from 4000 ppm levels in a simulated coal gasification gas to less than 1 ppm at 500 °C. The absorption capacity of H₂S with ZnFe₂O₄/AC, ZnFe₂O₄/ACF, and ZnFe₂O₄/YL exhibited nearly 100% of stoichiometric amount of loaded metal species. They could be regenerated by an air oxidation in O₂-Ar (50 vol%) at 450 °C for 30 min. The regenerated ferrite can be used for repeated absorption of H₂S with a very slight decrease in the absorption capacity.     

DNA promotes the activation of oxygen molecules by binuclear cobalt(II) compounds

We have observed that binuclear cobalt(II) compounds with H(HPTP), Co₂(HPTP)(CH₃COO)(ClO₄)₂ and Co₂(HPTP)Cl(ClO₄)₂, react with oxygen molecules when DNA is present in the solution, cleaving the DNA (H(HPTP) denotes N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane-2- ol).